"Eh? 'my robot girlfriend'?"
In the president's office at Pokeni Co., Ltd.
After listening to the president finish introducing the new game, Ishino Mika was quite surprised.
She hadn't expected that this time they would actually be collaborating with a movie.
And a live-action movie at that.
"Yeah," Aoki Haruhi nodded. "Let's make this game a galgame."
Beside him, Maeda Jun swallowed his drool and smiled maliciously. "Wow, a robot girlfriend. Just thinking about it makes it sound interesting. Not only does it have sci-fi elements, but having someone exist solely for the male protagonist is just too great, right?
I wonder how many otaku will be completely infatuated by the game."
Aoki Haruhi rolled his eyes at him. "Maeda-san, your drool is about to fall out."
Maeda Jun quickly sat up straight and wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand.
Ah... damn it, there clearly wasn't any!
"We'll produce the game first here, because the filming of the movie depends on the game, so we have to release it here first."
Releasing the game first is also a consideration for maximizing commercial interests.
Simply put, the number of people in the game's target audience is smaller than that of the movie's audience.
Moreover, the overlap between them isn't very high. The player base for galgames has always been relatively niche, only having expanded slightly due to Pokeni's management over these years.
To be blunt, the galgame market is only so big, but Pokeni's galgames are always able to attract people from outside the circle.
The female demographic is a very large part of that.
So it always gives people the illusion that the galgame market is huge, when in reality, it's just because the one making the games is Pokeni, nothing more.
Releasing the game first basically won't affect the subsequent movie box office, and the production of the game itself is very different from the movie.
First of all, it's reflected in the art style.
If we make 'my robot girlfriend' into a game, it definitely has to be 2D-style; it's impossible to use real people.
So it will lean towards a Japanese anime style, a robot beautiful girl—just thinking about it is exciting.
However, for the movie, it should use real people combined with some post-production special effects. The benefit of doing this is that it can greatly save costs; there won't be much special effects content, but the amount will be just right, allowing Pokeni's technical advantages to be fully utilized.
Once made, it can be considered a very good tier among Japanese live-action sci-fi movies.
Aoki Haruhi is still very confident in the area of film special effects.
It's just that he's a little worried about the situation on the production side. Unfortunately, Aoki Haruhi can't be in two places at once and can't monitor the whole process, so he can only trust Nao Tsuda and Ichihashi Fumie.
"What about the script?" Maeda Jun asked tentatively.
"We'll write a version of the script here first, and after it's finalized, we'll give it to Moon River. They will have specialized script writers to follow up on it," Aoki Haruhi said.
"They will make reasonable adaptations based on the script we finalize; after all, there are big differences between cinematic expression and game expression."
"This time, to coordinate with the production of 'my robot girlfriend', Nao Tsuda specially selected two fairly capable screenwriters from DUN."
"Huh?" Ishino Mika was stunned for a moment. Maeda Jun beside her quickly reacted, his whole body shaking. "Isn't DUN the one that does that stuff?"
Although she didn't say it explicitly, the expression on Ishino Mika's face betrayed her; it was obvious that this person was definitely thinking about something strange in her head.
Aoki Haruhi frowned slightly, thinking, where do you guys get so many prejudices?
Do you really have to find script writers who do proper movies to write it?
"Don't look down on DUN just because they do the blue industry; when it comes to making movies and such, they don't lose to ordinary film companies at all.
Their costumes, makeup, props, scripts, directors, cinematography, and lighting are all very professional.
So there's no need to worry at all."
Oh no, the only thing that might need worrying about is that they shouldn't write the script too much like that; showcasing the shameless life of a robot girl and an otaku is not the focus of the movie.
I'll have to emphasize that to them when the time comes.
Aoki Haruhi recounted all the key points, and when he turned back, he found that classmate Maeda Jun was spacing out.
He didn't know where he had wandered off to in his mind.
"By the way, the target audience for the game and the movie should be somewhat different, because the movie isn't using an animation production method, but is using live-action actors."
"Huh?!"
Maeda Jun suddenly stood up from the sofa.
"Nani?! A live-action movie?!"
At the same time, Ishino Mika also reacted.
Good grief, were you guys all thinking about an animated movie before?
Aoki Haruhi was truly speechless.
"Yes, considering it from a cost perspective, making it a live-action movie is better. It saves time and also saves a lot of trouble in post-production."
If it's live-action filming, there aren't any particularly big spectacle scenes or scenes with too many people, and the total number of characters appearing in the movie is relatively small, mainly revolving around the male and female leads.
It also takes place in the city, doesn't require special costumes; in short, it's something that can be filmed with a small budget.
Perhaps more will be invested in special effects, but it definitely won't be as expensive as using animation production.
Not to mention the time; live-action filming might be finished in a month, and the remaining post-production editing, all added up, would be at most half a year, which is even faster than making a game.
If it were made into an animated movie, you definitely wouldn't be able to finish it in under a year or two.
This also highlights the advantages of live-action movies.
Low cost, speed, high revenue, short cycle, high return rate.
We have to follow this path at the beginning, and then after accumulating experience for a while, we can move on to producing larger-scale film and television products.
After Aoki Haruhi finished explaining, he turned back to look at the two people.
The state of the two people was off.
Maeda Jun, this innocent guy—who knows if he's ever been in a relationship—was now hearing about making a live-action version and his eyes were shining; one couldn't tell what he was thinking, but his face displayed a blurry and weird color.
"Maeda, do you understand?"
"Understood. I will definitely write 'my robot girlfriend' well. She will definitely be a great beauty, and she must have a very perfect figure, preferably an F cup."
"F cup your head, just take it easy," Aoki Haruhi said.
However, to some extent, Maeda Jun's understanding wasn't wrong. The actress playing the heroine in the original work, Ayase, was a woman with a high appearance and a very large chest.
In the movie, she had a simply perfect figure.
Who wouldn't love such a robot girlfriend?
However, because Ayase was born in '85, she is only 12 years old now and hasn't even developed yet; how could it be possible to invite her to film the movie?
It's really quite troublesome to find a similar heroine.
"Um... regarding the male and female leads." Ishino Mika raised her hand weakly.
"Hmm?"
"Can I make a recommendation?"
"Me too!" Maeda Jun raised his hand next to her. "Is Ayumi Hamasaki-san okay?"
"What are you thinking!"
Aoki Haruhi raised his hand and delivered a karate chop to both of their heads.
"Focus on working hard first, get the game done, and don't bother yourselves with the matter of the male and female leads."
Ah... what a pity.
Ishino Mika clutched her head.
She had originally wanted to continue recommending Kashiwabara Takashi.
...
"By the way, there's one more thing." Aoki Haruhi suddenly remembered and sat back down in his chair. "Didn't Maeda hand me a proposal last year?"
"Yeah," Maeda Jun nodded. "my future girlfriend."
"This is what I'm thinking. Now that Ishino is serving as the director, it's impossible for her to only have one game in production on her hands, since 86 - eighty-six has already finished development."
"Ah, President, 86 - eighty-six hasn't been released yet," Ishino Mika quickly said.
According to custom, after a game is released, the project team members can get a short vacation. Although it's called a short vacation, it's not short at all; they can have a 7 to 10-day opportunity to travel abroad, and the company will also sponsor a sum of money, with each person receiving 100,000 yen for basic travel expenses, and for food and lodging, they can get a portion reimbursed after returning.
It's considered very good treatment.
But the president bringing up starting a new project at this time...
It might be fine for others, but as the director, wouldn't that mean Ishino won't have a chance to travel abroad?!
Damn it, damn it.
Aoki Haruhi didn't pay her any mind and continued, "Although 86 - eighty-six hasn't been released yet, the game itself has already finished development. I see the bugs have converged, so Ishino, you can start one or two more game projects.
Let's also set up the 'my future girlfriend' that Maeda wrote earlier as a project and put it into development. Who knows, maybe later we can make it into a girlfriend series collection."
"Okay, President," Ishino Mika said very reluctantly.
The travel plan is probably ruined now.
Damn it, why does this guy Maeda have nothing better to do than write so many scripts?
"Then will 'my future girlfriend' also be made into a live-action version in the future?" Maeda Jun asked from the side.
"Hmm?"
Aoki Haruhi looked back. Good kid, you're still not giving up, are you thinking about recommending another female celebrity again?
"Let's make it first, and consider that after it's done, but..."
Aoki Haruhi recalled carefully, the corners of his mouth slightly rising. "By the way, Maeda-san, regarding 'my future girlfriend', I have a small suggestion."
"Huh?"
After spending almost an entire afternoon, Aoki Haruhi finally sorted out the follow-up development plans, including the content of the script, with the two of them.
It's not a big problem.
And according to Aoki Haruhi's new line of thinking, maybe 'my future girlfriend' can be made into a particularly cheerful game.
"President, your idea is simply amazing. The players will definitely be amused by the lighthearted and pleasant atmosphere and the plot of the game; I estimate they won't be able to stop laughing from start to finish."
"Hehe, you understand now, right? You just need to write all the female characters well; the more brilliant you write them, the better. You need to treat them all equally, understand?"
Aoki Haruhi was an experienced hand and deeply understood the importance of being a master of balance in a galgame, especially when there are multiple heroines. Being able to make every character shine is the basic literacy of a scriptwriter, and being able to make players like different characters is a kind of talent.
Just like in his past life, Aoki Haruhi personally quite liked the anime "The Quintessential Quintuplets," but the Author always had a suspicion of forcing balance.
Miku clearly had the highest popularity and a winner could have been decided long ago; having to create other side plots to force balance was very frustrating.
However, in this anime, there is one thing Negi Haruba did quite well, which is that every character was made to have her own characteristics. Actually, if it weren't for Miku being too outstanding, every girl would have her own highlights and her own cute side.
It's a pity it wasn't executed well, which is to say, failing to let them stand on the same horizontal line and warm up at a steady speed; that is the Author's fault.
I hope we don't make the same mistake, and at the same time, I hope to make my future girlfriend well.
However, Aoki Haruhi believed he could do it well.
Because, from the foundation, Aoki Haruhi had already ruled out the possibility of failing to balance things properly.
"Good luck, Maeda-san!"
As for whether it can be adapted into live-action, Aoki Haruhi's answer is actually negative; where would one find so many perfect girls?
It's the same logic as how it's hard to find a role suitable for playing 2B Miss in real life; there is a deep chasm between the 2D and 3D worlds.
Unless Maeda Jun fails to control it well and writes the characters into a collapse, it's only then possible.
"Okay, President, I will definitely work hard to write the script well and make every girl shine!"
Just as the two were conspiring and laughing sinisterly at each other, Ishino Mika on the side felt a chill run down her spine.
[Can make players feel happy in the game, unable to stop laughing from start to finish.]
Are you sure?
Why don't I believe it?
Are we looking at the same script?
...
...
Since 86 - eighty-six had already finished development, Aoki Haruhi didn't stay idle. After having Takahashi Kazuma put the game on the promotional process, he hurried to find Hattori Hiroyuki to have a meal together.
"Long time no see, President Hattori." Aoki Haruhi lifted the sake pot and poured a cup for him.
"What do you mean long time no see?" Hattori Hiroyuki chuckled, "We clearly just met two months ago."
That was for the release of the witcher 2.
"But having said that, the quality of the witcher 2 game is indeed good. Miyazaki Pokeni has once again received a perfect score of 40 points. It's only a matter of time before this game breaks 10 million copies worldwide, right?"
"Hahaha, no, no. It's still early, but thank you for your kind words; I hope it can break 10 million soon."
The only thing that made Hattori Hiroyuki feel dissatisfied was why there were so many distributors in Japan; how good it would be if there were only Torun.
Moreover, the witcher 2 sold better in the Europe and America regions, which also made him feel very unhappy.
Clearly, I should be the main sales force for Pokeni.
However, being able to make money, President Hattori was still very happy.
"President Hattori, although it has only been 2 months since we parted, I feel like we separated just yesterday." Aoki Haruhi said with a smile, "Even if we had separated yesterday, I would have already started missing you."
"Hahaha," Hattori Hiroyuki laughed happily.
"Sometimes people are just like this; even knowing the other person is saying lies, flattery, but these words, I love to hear them. My longing for you, Aoki-san, also lingers in my heart every day."
Can you imagine? Two grown men saying such cheesy things at a dinner table. Those who know, know they both have their own families, and among them, Hattori even has his own daughter.
Those who don't know would think there is some unspeakable improper relationship between these two.
Even the waitress who was kneeling outside the private room preparing to serve the food was stunned and hesitated to knock on the door.
Nani?!
What did I just hear?
If I knock and go in at a time like this, wouldn't it be too awkward?
But, if I don't knock, it's also quite awkward, right?
After all, a bright shadow is right outside the sliding door, and they can see it.
So the waitress had to bite the bullet and knock on the door. When she pulled the sliding door open, she breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, the two guests' clothes were still neat.
And...
She stole a glance at Aoki Haruhi; this guest is too good-looking, right?
She suddenly understood Hattori a little. The middle-aged man next to him, who looked fat-eared and big-headed, although plain-looking, even a bit ugly, looked very rich at first glance.
The waitress sorted out the relationship between the two in an instant.
"Hello, this is the fresh eight-item sashimi boat you ordered."
The sashimi boat was very heavy. The young lady was wearing a kimono, holding it high with both hands with effort, and then maintained an elegant posture throughout the process, placing the sashimi boat in the center of the table.
When her arms were raised, the sleeves of the kimono would naturally slide down to her shoulders, revealing half of her fair arms.
It was also a very beautiful sight.
Hattori Hiroyuki stared openly, completely disregarding whether he was a man with a family and a daughter.
However, at his age and in the situation of being restrained by his wife, it was limited to just looking.
For two people to eat this kind of thing, it was a bit too luxurious, but today, President Hattori being happy was Aoki Haruhi's greatest satisfaction.
"And here is the tonkotsu ramen you ordered, hell-spicy." The young lady lowered her head, picked up a bowl of tonkotsu ramen, and placed it in front of Aoki Haruhi.
Before leaving, the waitress looked at Aoki Haruhi with some concern.
Although this young man is handsome, can he really handle eating something so spicy?
Just thinking in her heart, she pushed open the door, then slowly backed out, and then gently closed it with both hands.
In the private room, Aoki Haruhi and Hattori Hiroyuki chatted quite happily.
A few months no see, President Hattori seems to have grown fatter.
Is this happy fat?
Aoki Haruhi saw his appearance and became a bit worried about his own future.
Will he become a bloated fat man like Hattori Hiroyuki?
Thinking about this, Aoki Haruhi couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy.
No, no, starting tomorrow, I must work out properly. I don't even have children yet; I can't let Tsuda lose interest in me.
The two chatted about the game for a while, and Hattori Hiroyuki exclaimed:
"A war chess game? Very rare. I didn't expect you all to be interested in this type of game."
"Haha, we just want to try everything." Aoki Haruhi sipped his wine and smiled silently.
According to Hattori Hiroyuki's thoughts, shouldn't you continue to shine in action games and let the world feel the power and terrible oppression of Pokeni? War chess games are actually difficult to reflect superiority.
However, thinking carefully, when has Aoki Haruhi ever followed the conventional path?
If Pokeni were the kind of company that followed the rules and only made popular games, it wouldn't be called Pokeni.
Perhaps this extremely aggressive, ambitious way of wanting to stick a foot in every track is what makes Hattori Hiroyuki admire the guy in front of him so much.
"Very good, that's exactly how it should be done, to spread the games fully and let Pokeni become the game hegemon in all fields."
Hattori Hiroyuki was drunk and high, raised his hand, and clenched his fist hard.
...
On the way back, the driver was still driving Hattori Hiroyuki familiarly and stopped next to a trash can.
Hattori Hiroyuki smiled, his two cheeks flushed red.
He raised his hand and threw it into the trash can.
Clatter.
The game disc of "86 - eighty-six" hit the edge of the trash can and then fell to the ground.
Oops.
Missed.
Hattori Hiroyuki's heart tightened, and he sobered up completely.
He only felt a chill rush straight to his brain.
He hurriedly opened the car door, walked down, picked up the disc on the ground, and threw it in again.
Seeing 86 - eighty-six lying in the trash can, he felt a little more at ease.
But...
Hattori Hiroyuki frowned—
Is this ritual correct or not?
If it didn't go in the first time, but went in the second time, will it be blamed by the Trash Can God?
At this moment, Hattori Hiroyuki himself couldn't be sure.
Is this going to get the blessing of the Trash Can God for the game to sell well, or will it lead to Waterloo because it didn't get the blessing?
Being a person, why go against money?
In short, it was very regrettable.
Why was I careless just now, being too perfunctory to the Trash Can God.
Thinking of this, Hattori Hiroyuki put his hands together and prayed, "Great Trash Can God, I hope you can bless the game to sell well!!!"
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